Perhaps that’s why on Thursday, the White House released President Donald Trump’s first national security strategy. This mighty 33-page behemoth spells out his “America First” doctrine in widescreen Technicolor. This strategy marks a significant shift in the administration’s foreign policy, aiming to realign the United States’ global stance, particularly regarding Europe and its relationship with Russia.
This administration has really changed the conversation. It is less afraid than before to attack European nations and dismisses the old bogeyman of Russia as a threat. The document sharply criticizes Europe’s handling of security matters, economic policies, and migration strategies, suggesting that these issues pose greater risks than external threats from nations like China or Russia.
He claimed that Europe’s biggest security threats are “internal,” rather than external enemies. His remarks speak to the increasing domestic-first mood within the administration that puts America’s worried workers ahead of international partners.
Russia has already said it favors the newly released strategy. In the wake of the victory, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed delight over the degree to which some of Trump’s views were overlapping with Moscow’s.
“The adjustments we are seeing, I would say, are, in many ways, consistent with our vision.” – Dmitry Peskov
Instead of naming Russia as our main adversary, the document focuses on terrorism. That position is at odds with the view of nearly every European country that considers Russia an “existential threat.” European leaders have consistently regarded the United States as a key broker in restoring stability within Europe and maintaining strategic stability with Russia.
Trump’s national security strategy accidentally brings these rising tensions over the Ukraine more into focus. The legislative document makes the case that faceless European officials have undermined U.S.-backed attempts to end the bloody war in Ukraine. Donald Trump Jr. just suggested that the U.S. drop out of peacemaking discussions over Ukraine. This is part of an overall message of tougher, less permissive policy coming from Washington towards Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky scheduled to meet European leaders in London. This coincides with the disappointing outcomes of U.S. and Ukrainian diplomats in the recent negotiations held in Miami. The stalled movement in these negotiations illustrates the uphill battle that Ukraine continues to face in explaining the need for international support and assistance.
“I’m not sure that Zelensky’s fine with it.” – Donald Trump
The release of the new national security strategy has fueled speculation about the fate of U.S.-European relations. The United States is increasingly reorienting its attention, forcing European leaders to find their own way in this new security environment. This daunting new reality now depends on a confusing dance with both Washington and Moscow.
